Resolving division will grow economy: CBI

The CBI has urged political leaders to see a resolution to the Haass issues as a way to improve Northern Ireland’s international image and therefore help to develop the economy.

“Success will build further confidence in the economy and add momentum to the economic recovery,” Regional Chairman Colin Walsh (pictured) stated at its annual dinner. “It will help bridge divisions that remain in parts of our community, to build trust and respect, and improve relationships. It will enable all of us to collectively focus on the key issues we need to address in order to create better paid jobs and more of them, reduce unemployment and create a fairer society.”

Walsh also called for action to tackle high energy costs and inadequate supplies, which were undermining the competitiveness of major industries and making inward investments in data centres “virtually impossible.”

He explained: “There have been a succession of reviews and inquiries, but none of this appears to be addressing the cost to end users in manufacturing and we are in real danger of losing some of these crucial manufacturing jobs. The Executive must get this sorted.”